checking oil DODGE INTREPID 2004 2.G Owners Manual

•To avoid drawing exhaust gases into the vehicle, close
the trunk while driving. However, if for some reason it
must remain open, close all windows. Adjust the
heating or cooling system to force outside air into the
vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Safety belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident
if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to
8 seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the bulb is not lit
during starting, have it replaced. If the light stays on or
comes on while driving, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for
brake fluid, fuel, water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if
gasoline fumes are present, the cause should be corrected
immediately.
48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained, at the correct level. Check
the oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
2.7L Engine Oil Dipstick
172 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground also
will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
Maintain the oil level between the MIN and MAX
markings on the dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when
the reading is at the MIN mark will result in a MAX
reading on these engines.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the
interval at which your oil should be changed.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C)
•Stop and go driving
•Extensive engine idling
•Driving in dusty conditions
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
2.7L Engine Oil Fill
3.5L Engine Oil Fill
174 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for ScheduleB.
Second is Schedule“A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
uleB.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 213
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M
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Door Opener, Garage..................... 70
Drive Belts............................ 178
Drive Shaft Universal Joints............... 184
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 161
With an Automatic Transaxle............ 129
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 54
Electronic Speed Control.................. 67
Emergency Flashers..................... 152
Emission Control System Maintenance. . 170,180,212
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 180
Block Heater......................... 129
Break-In Recommendations............... 47
Checking Oil Level.................... 172
Compartment.....................167,168
Cooling..........................89,188
Fails to Start......................... 128
Oil ..............................88,172
Oil Change Interval................... 174
Oil Selection......................... 175
Oil Synthetic......................... 177Overheating.......................89,152
Specifications........................ 208
Timing Belt.......................... 180
Entry System, Illuminated................. 14
Exhaust Gas Caution..................47,187
Exhaust System........................ 187
Exterior Lights.......................62,204
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 180
Automatic Transaxle................... 197
Engine Fuel......................... 180
Engine Oil.......................... 178
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 152
Flat Tire Changing...................... 153
Floor Shift Interlock...................... 13
Fluid Capacities........................ 208
Fluid Leaks............................ 48
Fog Lights............................. 63
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 162
Fuel...............................88,143
Adding............................. 146
INDEX 241
10

Electric Remote....................... 54
Outside............................. 54
Rearview............................ 53
Vanity.............................. 55
Mopar Parts........................171,231
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 63
Occupant Restraints...................... 26
Odometer............................. 91
Oil, Engine........................... 172
Change Interval...................... 174
Checking........................... 172
Dipstick............................ 172
Disposal............................ 177
Filter.............................. 178
Identification Logo.................... 176
Materials Added to.................... 177
Quality............................. 176
Recommendation..................... 175
Synthetic........................... 177
Onboard Diagnostic System............169,170
Opener, Garage Door..................... 70
Operator Manuals........................ 4Overhead Console.....................70,77
Overhead Travel Information Center......... 77
Overheating, Engine..................... 152
Owner’s Manual......................4,233
Paint Care............................ 197
Paint Damage......................... 197
Panic Alarm........................... 19
Parking Brake......................... 132
Parking On Hill........................ 133
Passing Light........................... 64
Pets.................................. 46
Pets, Transporting....................... 46
Power
Distribution Center.................... 202
Door Locks.......................... 14
Outlet.............................. 81
Seats............................... 56
Steering............................ 135
Steering, Checking.................... 183
Sunroof............................. 76
TrunkLid ............................ 25
Windows............................ 25
INDEX 245
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